How are swallowing and breathing
related?
Food and Nutrition:
Swallowing and breathing are related.
We naturally hold our breath when we
swallow. This prevents any food or fluid
entering the lungs.
1. Follow a healthy and balanced diet
How are swallowing and breathing
affected by COPD?
If a person has breathing difficulties,
s/he may have trouble coordinating
breathing and swallowing when eating
and drinking.
If food and drinks go down the wrong
way into our lungs, this is called
aspiration. If food and/or drinks
continue to slip down into our lungs, it
can lead to chest infections or
pneumonia (aspiration pneumonia).
This leaflet provides information for
people with COPD on ways to eat and
drink safely.
2. Choose foods that are soft and easy to
chew, or add sauce or gravy to moisten foods.
3. Keep your cupboards stocked with a
supply of foods which require little
preparation.
4. If you are having problems with
your diet, please contact your doctor or
dietician for advice.
Speech & Language Therapy
Department
SWALLOWING
SAFELY WHEN
SHORT OF BREATH
Name:________________________
SLT:_________________________
Ph.___________________________
Produced by Tallaght Hospital SLT Department
MPSLT002-01
Statement of Values
Respect - Caring - Openness
Partnership - Teamwork
Fairness & Equality
How can you tell if you are experiencing
swallowing difficulties?
Signs of swallowing difficulties include:
coughing during/after swallowing
throat clearing during meals
a wet or ‘gurgly’ voice after
swallowing
increased shortness of breath
during meals
Eating Environment:
Tablets:
1. Seat yourself in an upright
supported chair when you are eating
and drinking.
If you have difficulty swallowing your tablets,
try swallowing them with yoghurt instead
of water.
2. Don’t lie down after meals. Remain
upright for 30 minutes after eating or
drinking to prevent food coming back up into
your throat.
3. Try not to
speak during
meals. This can
make you
breathless and
effect your swallowing.
Tips! To protect your lungs
Energy and Eating:
Managing mealtimes and energy levels can
help.
1. Eat meals earlier in the day
Oxygen:
2. Try not to eat when you are
breathless.
If you have home oxygen, wear the nasal
cannulae when you’re eating and
drinking. This will steady your oxygen
levels, and reduce shortness of breath.
3. Rest before eating
meals to reduce
breathlessness when
swallowing.
4. Eat 6 smaller meals versus 3 big meals.
Have small, high-calorie meals more
frequently, and take a break during your meal
if you become short of breath.
5. Take your time when eating. Sip fluids
slowly. Eat slowly. Take small mouthfuls.
Drinking:
Avoid continuous multiple swallows - take one
sip at a time
Reflux:
Try to avoid food/drinks which cause reflux –
coffee, alcohol, fizzy drinks, citrus fruits and
spicy food can all potentially cause reflux.
The refluxed material in the throat can slip onto
the chest and cause an infection
Dry Mouth:
1. A dry mouth can impact on swallowing.
Your mouth may feel dry due to smoking/
medications/oxygen masks. Tell your doctor
or speech and language therapist, and a
moistening gel or spray can be obtained.
2. Make sure to brush your teeth regularly
and have good oral hygiene. This reduces
bacteria in the mouth and the risk of infection.